Enabling Dynamic IT: The Optimized Desktop for Windows

Learn how to prepare for and deploy Windows Vista in your organization today by using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.

Recent news

• Over the last 4 years, Microsoft has made substantial changes to Windows Client Software Assurance (SA), including investments in a new Enterprise SKU and a number of acquisitions that led to the creation of the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack for Software Assurance (MDOP). In light of these changes, customers who previously declined to buy Client SA should re-evaluate their decisions.

  These two products have been evaluated by Gartner:
  Quantifying the Value of Software Assurance for Windows Client (173 KB)
  Quantifying the Value of Microsoft's Desktop Optimization Pack (172 KB)




• We know that some organizations are tempted to skip Windows Vista entirely and wait for the next release, Windows 7, which Microsoft plans to release in late 2009 or early 2010. However, compatibility with Windows Vista is a design goal for Windows 7 so enterprises should feel confident that investments they make in Windows Vista now will carry over to Windows 7.

  The below report was written by Gartner:
  Understand the Risks of Skipping Windows Vista (537 KB)

Enterprise-class Windows A key component of the Optimized Desktop, Windows Vista Enterprise is the premium business operating system for organizations with multiple PC environments such as mobile workers, office workers, and contract workers. Data protection with Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption See more features See demos and videos Find case studies Find data sheets and white papers

Recent news

• Windows Vista Service Pack 1 released

Windows 7 for the Enterprise Built on the Windows Vista foundation, Windows 7 will help make users productive anywhere, enhance security and control, and streamline PC management. Deploying Windows Vista today is an important step on the path to get ready for Windows 7. With availability targeted 3 years after the release of Windows Vista, customers with Software Assurance will have access to Windows 7 as soon as it's available. DirectAccess keeps mobile users connected on the go BranchCache makes file access faster Search information on the PC, mail or SharePoint BitLocker protects data on a PC and portable drives AppLocker lets you control what user's can run Virtual Desktop Infrastructure made better Management tools to improve IT productivity Compatibility with Windows Vista and ease of deployment

Recent news

• IT Pros: Get the latest updates on Windows 7 with the Springboard Series on TechNet.

• Watch the public debut of Windows 7 at the Professional Developers Conference 2008. Watch the video (2 hours 29 minutes)

The information contained in this document relates to pre-release software product, which may be substantially modified before its first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the software product when first commercially released. This document is provided for informational purposes only, and Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to this document or the information contained in it.

Dynamic desktop management technologies Management tools such as the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) enhance the manageability of Windows, streamline your business, and drives down desktop total cost of ownership (TCO). Transform applications into dynamically delivered services with Microsoft Application Virtualization (formerly Microsoft Softgrid Application Virtualization) Recover desktops quickly with Diagnostics and Recover Toolset See all six components and read about their features See demos and videos Find case studies Find data sheets and white papers

Recent news

• Microsoft to Expand Investment in Desktop Virtualization with Acquisition of Kidaro

Virtualization as a key enabler For customers exploring various deployment models, the Optimized Desktop for Windows provides unique licensing and virtualization technologies. See the Virtualized Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) demo Learn about Windows Vista Enterprise Centralized Desktop Learn about Microsoft Application Virtualization (formerly Microsoft Softgrid Application Virtualization) in the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack Find out more about Microsoft Virtual PC Learn more about licensing and virtualization technologies See the Application Virtualization demo See demos and videos Find case studies Find data sheets and white papers

Recent news

• Microsoft to Expand Investment in Desktop Virtualization with Acquisition of Kidaro

• SoftGrid Application Virtualization 4.5